The amazing petrified wood

Did you know that wood is actually stone? This petrified wood is a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. The fossilization process takes place underground, where the wood is covered by sediments or volcanic ash. This prevents aerobic decomposition due to lack of oxygen. Over millions of years, the organic matter in the wood is gradually replaced by minerals, but the original shape and appearance of the wood is preserved.

How petrified wood is formed

The process of replacing organic matter occurs as water passes through the wood, washing away much of the cellulose and lignin and depositing minerals, particularly quartz. Quartz crystals are colourless, but over time other minerals are deposited that colour the fossilized wood black (carbon), green or blue (copper, chromium or cobalt), red, yellow or brown (iron oxides).

The petrified wood preserves the original structure of the tree trunk with all its details down to the microscopic level. One can easily observe the annual rings and the original design formed by them.

Where to find wood turned into stone

Geological basins where petrified wood is found are found on all continents. In Europe, there are such places in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium, the Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. Petrified wood can be found in Australia, Canada, India, Thailand, Argentina and New Zealand.

There are several such pools in the USA. One of the most spectacular is Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Scientists say that 225 million years ago, the climate here was tropical and everything was covered in forest. A great flood felled huge trees more than 2m in diameter and more than 60m high, which were then covered by volcanic lava. The fossilization process turned the huge trees into rock. But the appearance of the trees has been so well preserved that only the huge difference in weight convinces you that you're not picking up a piece of wood.

Use of petrified wood

Petrified wood has many uses. It can be used in construction, giving houses a very original look.

It is used to make furniture, table tops for kitchens or bars, sinks and bathtubs. Thanks to the beauty of its design and its special colors, it is used in jewelry.

photo source: servicecentral.com.au